Filming Locations of Angelina Jolie’s 2024 Drama “Maria”: Where Was It Shot?

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for 2024’s Maria. This cinematic masterpiece delves into the poignant journey of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, interweaving themes of fame and heartbreak with stunning European locales. Set against the backdrop of Callas’ final week, the film juxtaposes her most iconic performances in cities such as Milan, Covent Garden, Venice, and New York, with the enchanting scenery of Paris—where she spent her concluding years. Director Pablo Larraín completes his trilogy on female icons, collaborating with cinematographer Ed Lachman to vividly portray both the internal and external struggles of Maria Callas.

Angelina Jolie leads the cast of Maria, bringing a powerful grace that transforms the streets of Europe into her personal stage, highlighting her status as the beloved Diva. The film employs a fragmented narrative, blending reality, imagination, and memory to convey the complex emotional landscape of its subject. Critics have praised Maria for its breathtaking visuals, with Larraín’s adept use of famous European landmarks enhancing the connection between these cities and the life of the illustrious singer.

Exploring Paris, France

Iconic Locations

Amid her desperation to reclaim her once-glorious voice, Maria meanders through the Parisian streets, often accompanied by Mandrax (Kodi Smit-McPhee). Unlike a typical wanderer, her visits to iconic landmarks serve as stages for her confessions and inner demons. Paris, in a whimsical twist, appears to cater to Maria’s desires, presenting an ever-listening orchestra, a film crew eager to document her tale, and an adoring audience that remains captivated even through the chaos of her inner turmoil.

In search of reflection and emotional release, Maria frequents the stunning Palais du Trocadéro, with the Eiffel Tower casting a majestic shadow, strolls through the lush Tuileries Garden, and finds solace by the tranquil waters of Pont Alexandre III. When yearning for adoration, she can be seen at a café near Teatro Du Chatelet, a location that sparks her poignant memory of meeting Aristotle Onassis (Haluk Bilginer). The Palais Garnier unfolds to reveal the opera house’s romantic allure, while Place Vendôme is imbued with her longing and obsession.

Budapest, Hungary

Significant Venues

Budapest serves as the backdrop for some of Maria’s most intimate moments and performances, particularly resonating with her greatest tragedies. The Budapest Music Academy hosts scenes where Jolie’s character practices singing, showcasing the disparity between the intimate setting and La Callas’ past grandeur on the world’s prominent stages. Memories of filled opera houses saturate her hesitant rehearsals, as she grapples with her lingering insecurities.

Both the small theatre and Maria’s apartment morph into sites of conflict, marked by the intrusion of a relentless journalist and culminating in her tragic demise through song. The production designer meticulously crafted a replica of Callas’ real Parisian apartment in Budapest, ensuring every detail mirrored the famed Diva’s living space—from the sunlight filtering through the windows to the curated artwork adorning the walls. This careful design creates a stark contrast to the bleak tone of Maria’s painful recollections.

Larraín also utilizes more serene locations in Budapest that maximize the film’s exploration of Maria’s fragmented psyche. A notable scene unfolds in the city’s Museum of Fine Arts, which artfully reflects Maria’s mental disorientation as she traverses different locations. Additionally, the State Opera House doubles as Venice’s opera stage, gracefully adding to the film’s rich soundtrack.

Milan, Italy

The Esteemed La Scala

Drawing inspiration from the true story of Maria Callas, Larraín features the singer’s renowned Anne Boleyn performance at Milan’s iconic La Scala. Although the film showcases various prestigious opera houses where Callas has performed, La Scala holds a particularly noteworthy significance. Maria’s reluctance to return to the stage is heavily influenced by recollections from Italy, where she faced relentless public scrutiny after canceling a show due to illness. This public disdain permeates her psyche, ultimately fueling her resentful return to the spotlight.

Katakolo, Elis, Greece

Onassis’s Luxurious Yacht

In addition to adapting Maria’s performance at the Royal Opera House, Larraín introduces Greece through a beautifully crafted sequence capturing the genesis of Maria and Aristotle Onassis’ romance. With the backdrop of stunning coastal scenery, the film evokes real moments from their lives together aboard the magnate’s yacht. The black-and-white styling mirrors the emotional depth often found in Michelangelo Antonioni’s cinematic works, nodding to some of history’s most stirring love stories and showcasing Larraín’s cinematic influences.

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